BA/BS in Digital product design

General Description The Digital Product Design program is designed for those who want to learn how to make appealing and practical digital products. This program teaches graphic, digital, and interactive design theories, techniques, and technologies for creating a variety of text, visual, and multimedia items. Students will gain the competences needed to develop creative digital product designs that meet contemporary market demands. Benefits of choosing the Digital Product Design programme. This programme offers a comprehensive understanding of design theory and practice, including UX/UI design methods, user interface design, and market analysis. It utilizes advanced design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Sketch, which are widely used in the industry. Due to the fast growth of the digital economy, there is a rising need for skilled digital design professionals who can adapt to changing technologies and consumer preferences. Skills you will develop. Students will acquire practical skills for creating and managing digital products from conception to completion through real project teamworking. They will gain a solid foundation in design theory covering graphic, digital, and interactive design principles and modern methods. Graduates will be prepared for various digital design roles such as UI/UX designer, web developer, user interface developer, graphic designer, or digital advertising professionals. Career opportunities for digital product design programme’s graduates. Upon completion of the Digital Product Design programme, graduates can start a career in digital design positions as assistants or junior designers, assisting with technical and creative tasks in design projects. With experience, they can advance to mid-level positions involving design element development and UX design solution implementation. Eventually, they can progress to roles like Chief Designers or Design Project Managers, overseeing projects from start to finish with a focus on user experience design. This career path provides opportunities to work in large companies, start-ups, or as independent professionals on various innovative projects contributing to the growth of the digital economy. Objective(s) of a study programme: The study program aims to produce a professional bachelor of arts capable of: 1) explaining the basic principles, concepts, and notions of digital product design, being acquainted with the latest developments in the field, and applying this knowledge to solve relevant professional problems by creating digital products that meet user requirements while adhering to occupational health and safety, intellectual property, and environmental protection standards. 2) applying acquired knowledge for analyzing creative and technological issues in digital product design, justifying proposed solutions based on market and design research, choosing appropriate design tools, including innovative practices, and working independently or in teams to develop digital projects. They are also expected to present ideas and products using digital visual technologies. 3) developing and executing digital product design projects, generating business concepts for digital design services, applying management knowledge for business and project development, understand and use continuous learning, teamwork, and ethics, communicating ethically and professionally in various languages, and promoting a professional culture within the field of activity Learning outcomes: 1) explain the basic theoretical principles, concepts, and ideas of digital product design, historical trends, and modern technologies and apply this knowledge to design digital products using visual tools, new technologies, and equipment purposefully. 2) apply the gained knowledge to create creative digital product design projects by developing designs or business ideas following managerial principles and legal regulations on safety, intellectual property, and the environment. 3) identify creative problems in digital product design by analyzing trends and phenomena in contemporary design practice and research. 4) gather, analyze, and process data needed to solve creative issues in digital product design, evaluate and use the results for research and design implementation. 5) choose and apply artistic expression, new media, and innovative technologies in design practice projects, showcasing theoretical knowledge and technical skills. 6) generate ideas and solutions for digital product design projects, organize, plan, evaluate, and implement requirements independently or in teams in the profession or interdisciplinary field. 7) present creative ideas and projects using visual and digital technologies nationally and internationally, showing the added-value of digital product design. 8) create and develop a business concept for digital product design through personal creative practice, exploring connections between different design disciplines from historical, ethical, and conceptual perspectives to meet digital design requirements. 9) communicate professionally in national and at least one foreign language, following ethical and social responsibilities, working effectively in diverse teams. 10) learn and work responsibly and independently, responsibly, and with a focus on personal and professional growth to creatively solve problems and make accountable decisions. Activities of teaching and learning: The teaching and learning activities are carried out using methods such as theoretical lectures, concept maps, and brainstorming exercises to analyze theoretical design principles and solve design problems. Most of the sessions involve practical tasks where students work under the guidance of the tutor and independently. Some practical focus on analyzing and discussing mistakes. Throughout each course, students compile a portfolio of their practical work, which can become part of their final thesis or project. By utilizing problem-solving and project development methods, students will undertake subject-specific practical assignments, participate in seminars, engage in discussions, and clarify debates and issues within the design field. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: Student achievement is assessed using a cumulative method, where final module grades are determined by both interim and final assessments within each module. Mid-term assessments in study modules include various methods such as written questionnaires, independent practical work, individual projects, seminars, reports, market analysis presentations, data set presentations, problem solutions, models, prototypes, products, Key Performance Indicators assessment presentations, group project presentations evaluating team contributions, self-reflection, and self-assessment based on specified criteria. For final reporting, the following assessment methods will be applied:  examination for the study module;  professional practice assessment: preparation and defense of a report;  final project evaluation: submission and presentation of the project report;  final professional bachelor's thesis: preparation and public defense of the final thesis. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: First year (60 credits) - building fundamental skills: visual communication product development (10 credits), user interface design (10 credits), prototyping of digital products (10 credits), work safety and ethical principles (5 credits), professional practice (20 credits), final qualification project (5 credits). Second year (60 credits): knowledge and skills development: interactive design principles and techniques (10 credits), graphic design principles and development tools (10 credits), advanced prototyping technology for digital products (10 credits), UX/UI design principles and techniques (10 credits), principles of design for sustainability and accessibility (10 credits), foreign language (5 credits), programming (5 credits). Third year (60 credits) - extension of knowledge and competences in the following subject areas: interactive media design (10 credits), principles of advanced user interface (UI) design (10 credits), methodology and technology of user experience (UX) design (10 credits), research and project management in the field of design (10 credits), final professional practice (10 credits), professional bachelor's final thesis (10 credits). Specialisations: - Optional courses: The study programme offers two modules with optional courses: 1) foreign language module: business English, digital marketing English, computer science English; 2) programming module: prototyping with NoCode technology, user interface design, basics of web programming. Distinctive features of a study programme: The study programme is tailored to meet the competencies and levels required for a digital product designer in the global market. The entire programme content is structured to ensure that in the first year, students acquire fundamental knowledge and skills, enabling them to potentially enter the job market as a layout designer or in a related digital product layout role upon completion. The second year focuses on expanding knowledge and enhancing professional skills in fundamental digital product design principles, preparing students to work as layout designers, user interface designers or in similar roles by the year's end. In the third year, emphasis is placed on broadening subject areas and developing research and data analytical skills for planning and executing digital product design projects. By successfully completing the programme and defending their thesis, students will be equipped to pursue careers as graphic designers, user interface developers, UI/UX designers or similar positions. The Digital Product Design programme aims to cultivate the professional skills demanded in the job market, facilitating quicker job placements and addressing the shortage of graphic and user interface designers. The programme covers key areas such as design theory, principles, methods, prototyping tools, user interface design, management, research, business models, and project management. Practical tools utilized in the programme are cutting-edge hardware, software, innovative methods, and design technologies for digital product design. While the programme is full-time, a significant portion of lectures (up to 70%) is expected to be conducted remotely. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: According to the Lithuanian Classification of Professions, graduates will be qualified to work in the following fields upon graduation: (216601) Graphic Designers; (216602) Layout Designers; (216603) Website Designers; (216604) Multimedia Designers; (216605) Print Designers; (251208) User Interface Designers; (251306) User Interface Developers. As per analytical reports from Lithuanian and international labour market studies, graduates of the study program will have opportunities to secure positions in areas currently experiencing a shortage of professionals with graphic design expertise, as well as in fields expected to face shortages in the future. These roles include UX/UI designers, web developers, and digital advertising designers. Access to further study: Postgraduate programs at the Lithuanian Academy of Arts, such as Design, Graphic Design, Visual Design, or Visual Communication Design, can be pursued to further studies. International study programs in English in the field of design at foreign universities in Spain, Poland, Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, France, etc., can also be chosen to continue studies.